Right of Way Rules Europe 2026 | Priority Explained
Master priority rules at junctions, roundabouts, and intersections for your theory test
Priority and right-of-way rules are among the most heavily tested topics on driving theory exams across Europe. They're also among the most confusing for learners, especially since rules can vary between countries.
This comprehensive guide explains the fundamental priority principles, how they apply at different types of junctions, and the country-specific variations you need to know. Understanding the logic behind these rules - not just memorizing them - will help you both pass your test and make safe decisions on the road.
The Basic Priority Hierarchy
Understanding the hierarchy of priority helps you make sense of complex situations.
Priority Hierarchy (Highest to Lowest):
- 1Police and Emergency Services
- Always give way to emergency vehicles with active sirens/lights
- Pull over and stop if necessary
- This overrides all other rules
- 1Traffic Control by Officials
- Police officer directions override signs and signals
- Follow their gestures even if they contradict lights
- 1Traffic Lights
- When working, lights take precedence over signs
- Red always means stop
- Green means go if safe
- 1Road Signs
- Stop signs - mandatory complete stop
- Give way/yield signs - stop if necessary
- Priority road signs - you have right of way
- 1Road Markings
- Give way lines (broken) - yield
- Stop lines - must stop
- 1Default Rules
- When no signs or signals exist
- These vary by country (see later section)
Priority at Different Junction Types
Each junction type has specific rules for determining who has priority.
T-Junctions:
- Traffic on the main (through) road has priority
- Traffic entering from side road must give way
- Look for give way signs or road markings
- If unmarked, the side road typically yields
Crossroads (4-Way):
- Signed: Follow sign instructions
- Traffic lights: Follow signals
- Unmarked: Priority to the right applies in most European countries
- Stop signs require full stop before proceeding
Staggered Junctions:
- Treat as two separate T-junctions
- Each movement requires separate priority assessment
- Don't assume you can proceed because one direction is clear
Yield/Give Way Rules:
- Give way sign means: stop if necessary, proceed if clear
- You must give way to traffic that has priority
- Don't force other drivers to slow or stop for you
- Being courteous doesn't override safety rules
Roundabout Priority Rules
Roundabouts have specific priority rules that are tested frequently.
Standard European Roundabout Rules:
- Traffic on the roundabout has priority
- Vehicles entering must yield to traffic already circulating
- Give way to traffic from your left (in right-hand drive countries)
- Signal when exiting the roundabout
Approaching a Roundabout:
- 1Reduce speed as you approach
- 2Check for traffic on the roundabout
- 3Give way to vehicles already on it
- 4Enter only when there's a safe gap
- 5Do not stop on the roundabout itself
Lane Selection:
- Left lane: turning left or going straight (first exits)
- Right lane: going straight or turning right (later exits)
- Follow road markings when present
- Signal appropriately when changing lanes
Mini-Roundabouts:
- Same rules apply
- Must still give way to the right
- Can drive over the center if necessary (for large vehicles)
- Keep speed very low
Priority to the Right (Priorité à Droite)
This default rule applies in most European countries at unmarked junctions.
How It Works:
- At unmarked junctions, give way to vehicles approaching from your right
- This applies when there are no signs, signals, or markings
- Even if you're on what seems like the main road
- The vehicle on the right proceeds first
Where It Applies:
- Most of continental Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, etc.)
- Residential areas with unmarked junctions
- Some car parks and parking areas
Important Exceptions:
- Does NOT apply if you have a priority road sign
- Does NOT apply if the other road has a give way sign
- Does NOT apply when traffic lights are present
- Private roads entering public roads don't get priority
- Emerging from parking spaces doesn't get priority
UK and Ireland:
- Priority to the right does NOT apply
- Unmarked junctions typically give priority to the through road
- Always approach unmarked junctions with caution
Special Priority Situations
Some situations have specific rules that override normal priority.
Emergency Vehicles:
- Always give way when lights/sirens active
- Pull over safely and stop if necessary
- Don't panic - move predictably
- Wait until they've passed before moving
Buses:
- In many countries, buses leaving stops have priority
- Check local rules - varies by country
- Generally be courteous to buses signaling to pull out
Pedestrians:
- Pedestrians on crossings have absolute priority
- At junctions, pedestrians crossing have priority over turning traffic
- Children, elderly, and disabled may have extra protections
Trams:
- Trams often have priority over all road traffic
- Never try to overtake a tram on the inside
- Give way to trams in shared zones
Cyclists:
- Dedicated cycle lanes may give cyclists priority
- Check for cyclists when turning left/right
- Cyclists in traffic have same rights as vehicles
Country-Specific Priority Variations
While basics are similar, some important variations exist between European countries.
France:
- Priority to the right very strictly applied
- Rond-points (roundabouts) - traffic on roundabout has priority
- Some old-style roundabouts still give priority to entering traffic
Germany:
- Priority to the right applies at unmarked junctions
- Strict right-before-left (rechts vor links) rule
- Vehicles on priority roads keep priority at junctions
Spain:
- Priority to the right at unmarked junctions
- Very clear road markings usually indicate priority
- Roundabouts give priority to circulating traffic
Netherlands:
- Priority to the right applies
- Cyclists have extensive priority rights
- Woonerf (living street) zones have special rules
Italy:
- Priority to the right at unmarked junctions
- Aggressive traffic may require extra caution
- ZTL zones have restricted access
UK:
- No priority to the right rule
- Give way to traffic on major roads
- Roundabouts: give way to traffic from the right (already on roundabout)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1Who has priority at an unmarked junction where two cars arrive at the same time?
In most European countries, the car on the right has priority (priority to the right rule). If you arrive at exactly the same time, the driver on the right should proceed first. In practice, make eye contact and proceed with caution - safety over strict right of way.
Q2If a traffic light is broken or not working, what priority rules apply?
When traffic lights are not working, treat the junction as if it were uncontrolled. Apply normal priority rules: priority to the right in most European countries, or follow any road signs that may indicate priority. Proceed with extra caution.
Q3Does priority to the right apply on roundabouts?
No, on roundabouts you give way to traffic already on the roundabout, which comes from your left (in right-hand traffic countries). This is the opposite of priority to the right and often confuses learners. The roundabout creates its own priority system.
Q4What should I do if another driver doesn't follow priority rules?
Even if you have right of way, yield if the other driver doesn't. Having priority doesn't protect you from an accident. Be defensive, expect mistakes from others, and remember: it's better to be safe than right. Never force your priority.
Test Your Priority Knowledge
Practice priority and right-of-way questions with our targeted practice tests.
Practice Priority Questions